Merchandise packaging device

ABSTRACT

A merchandise packaging device is provided for facilitation of transport and storage and the enhancement of display of articles of merchandise. This device is specifically adapted in its illustrative embodiments for utilization with planar sheet form articles such as automobile floor mats. The device comprises a package body formed from a sheet of paper board and a rigid hanger assembled with the body. A hook element which is formed in the rigid hanger is cooperatively engageable with a support or hanger bar in suspending the packaged articles in vertical planes. The paper board is folded to form two interfitting, Ushaped elements adapted to receive a marginal edge portion of a format in edgewise relationship. Suitable fastening devices, such as staples, project through the package body and the interposed floor mat to complete packaging. This results in a relatively rigid structure capable of supporting the substantial weight of an automobile floor mat.

Elite States 1 1 Pirman [73] Assignee: Pretty Products, lnc., Coshocton,

Ohio

[22] Filed: Oct. 29, 1973 [21] Appl. N0.: 410,633

[52] U5. Cl 206/527, 312/184, 211/113, 206/806, 206/289, 206/461,223/87, 225/52 [51] Int. Cl. 865d 47/32, G091" 5/04 [58] Field of Search223/87, 85; 312/184 X;

Primary ExaminerDavis T. Moorhead Attorney, Agent, or F irm-Mahoney,Miller & Stebens [57] ABSTRACT A merchandise packaging device isprovided for facilitation of transport and storage and the enhancementof display of articles o1- merchandise. This device is specificallyadapted in its illustrative embodiments for utilization with planarsheet form articles such as automobile floor mats. The device comprisesa package body formed from a sheet of paper board and a rigid hangerassembled with the body. A hook element which is formed in the rigidhanger is cooperatively engageable with a support or hanger bar insuspending the packaged articles in vertical planes. The paper board isfolded to form two interfitting, U-shaped elements adapted to receive amarginal edge portion of a format in edgewise relationship. Suitablefastening devices, such as staples, project through the package body andthe interposed floor mat to complete packaging. This results in arelatively rigid structure capable of supporting the substantial weight01 an automobile floor mat.

8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures I MERCHANDISE PACKAGING DEVICE BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION Packaging of articles such as flexible automobile floormats has generally consisted of placing the mat in a carton or box. Thefloor mats, being relatively flexible, may be readily folded or rolledfor space conservation and positioning within a carton of rectangular orsquare cross section. A second packaging method comprises placing themat in what is generally termed a shrink-film package. With respect tothe carton packaging method, these cartons are usually formed from arelatively thin cardboard and are opaque, thereby fully concealing thecontents. As a consequence, it is necessary to provide effective displayliterature and illustrations as well as extensive labeling and markingof the cardboard boxes. This is essential in order that prospectivecustomers will be effectively apprised of the contents of a box, asthere are usually many colors and styles to be selected as dictated bythe customers personal preference. However, even extensive displayliterature and colorful-type labeling does not prevent the customer fromopening up the containers for direct viewing and further assurance thatthe desired style and color is being obtained. An undesirableconsequence of this is that the display becomes quickly and easilydisarranged and requires constant care and attention to maintain areasonable degree of ordered display to facilitate subsequent selectionby other customers. The thin cardboard cartons are not capable ofwithstanding such extensive handling abuse and often become broken ortorn thereby further adding to the unsightly display appearance.

The shrink-film type package normally comprises a cardboard backing thatis relatively rigid and upon which the mat is placed. A transparentplastic film is then formed around the assembled mat and backing andsealed by application of heat that also shrinks the film into closeassociation. While this type of package fully displays the mat as toboth color and style, such a package is relatively expensive and notsuitable to withstand the substantial weight of the automobile floormats. The weight of a floor mat designed to cover the entire front orrear floor of a car is substantial, as these mats are fabricated fromrubber. A thin plastic film is relatively weak and is very susceptibleto tearing, and the film is often broken through frequent handling byprospective customers in examining the available selection. A display ofthis type normally comprises stacking of a number of the packages in avertical arrangement, and this requires the customers to againdisarrange a display in selecting the desired color or style.

Another type of merchandise display technique utilized with floor matsis stacking of unpackaged mats. This is not particularly desirable asthe mats are difficult to handle as they are rather bulky and large.Further, the unpackaged mats are very difficult to maintain in asuitable appearing display and do not provide adequate information as tostyle or type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The merchandise packaging devices of thisinvention provide advantages as to both transport and display ofarticles such as automobile floor mats. Both embodiments of theillustrative packaging devices comprise a package body that is securedto the floor mat and a rigid hanger assembled with the package body. Thepackage body is formed of a sheet of material folded into aconfiguration that is generally U-shaped and adapted to receive an edgeportion of a mat in edgewise relationship. Suitable fastening devicesare employed in securing the package body to the floor mat therebyforming a substantially unitary package arrangement. The rigid hanger,which may be readily formed from a rigid wire, includes an elongatedelement that extends longitudinally of the package body, and a hookelement that extends laterally to engage a hanger bar and therebysuspend a package in a vertical plane.

The package body is formed from a single sheet of paper board that isinitially formed as a blank of rectangular configuration. This sheet ofpaper board is then scored to form fold lines, and the board is thenfolded to form two telescoped body elements of U-shaped configuration.Two such U-shaped elements are formed and thus provide a relativelystrong and rigid package body when secured to the automobile floor mat.

Fabricating the package device of folded paper board produces aneconomical package and also results in enhanced display of the variouscolors and styles of articles thus merchandised. Hanging of the displayarticles in a vertical plane results in each article being readilyvisible for inspection and thus avoids the necessity of the packagebeing removed from the arrangement thereby reducing the chances ofdisarrangement of a display. A customer may readily examine the matassociated with a package by merely swinging the article about thehanger bar from interleaved relationship with other mats. This resultsin full exposure of the mat for inspection as to color and style. Aparticular mat may thus be readily selected and removed from the displaywithout disarrangement of the remainder of the display.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readilyapparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereofand the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofamerchandise packaging device embodying this invention applied to anarticle of merchandise.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modified form of the merchandisepackaging device and is illustrated as applied to an article ofmerchandise.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a paperboard blank for forming of the deviceshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the paper board blank par tially folded andwith the hanger element assembled therewith.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the packaging device of FIG. 1 withthe fold completed.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongline 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a cardboard blank for the modified devicestructure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the modified device.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongline 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Apreferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Thisillustrative embodiment of a merchandise packaging device comprises apackage body 11 and a rigid hanger 12 that is assembled with the body.The package body 11 is formed from a sheet of cardboard material foldedinto a U-shaped configuration that receives, in edgewise relationship, amarginal edge portion of an article of merchandise such as an automobilefloor mat. A floor mat is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1 inbroken lines and designated by the letter M. When thus positioned inassociation with a mat M, the package body 11 is secured to the mat bysuitable fasteners such as the illustrated staples S. These staples, orany other suitable fastening means, are of a minimal dimension toprevent damaging the mat as they are inserted through the package body11 and the mat, while maintaining adequate strength for securelyfastening the mat and package body. An automobile floor mat is normallyfabricated from a material such as rubber, and small puncture holesresulting from the use of staples do not leave a visible puncture orhole as the rubber in effect is a selfsealing type material.

In its folded configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the packaging devicebody 11 includes two body elements 13 and 14 which are disposed intelescoped relationship to each other. Each of the body elements 13 and14 are of open-ended channel configuration having respective side panels15 and 16 associatedwith element 13 and panels 17 and 18 associated withelement 14. Each of the pairs of side panels are interconnected byrespective webs 19 and 20. In addition, the adjacently disposed sidepanels 16 and 18 are integrally formed along an edge designated bynumeral 21.

The package body element 14 is smaller than the element 13 as to bothwidth and height and thus telescopically interfits into element 13. Withthe extreme edges of the side panels coextensive as dictated by theintegral formation at edge 21, this leaves a substantial space betweenthe opposed surfaces of interconnecting webs 19 and 20. To facilitatemanipulation and carrying of a packaged mat, a hand hole 22 is formed inthe side panels 15 and 16 of the larger body element 13 at a locationwhere it is above the webb 20 of the smaller body element 14.Longitudinal positioning of the hand hole 22 is optional; however,location as illustrated is preferred for convenient manipulation ofthepackaged mat when suspended in a hanger-bar type display and forcarrying. This illustrated position has the hand hole 22 offset from thecenter of the packaging device and is at approximately a As pointlongitudinally thereof.

Assembled with the package body 11 is the rigid hanger 12. In theillustrated embodiment, the rigid hanger 12 comprises an elongated wirerod element 25 and an integrally formed hook element 26. The elongatedelement 25 is of a length substantially coextensive with the packagebody and is disposed immediately beneath the interconnecting web 19 toprovide support throughout its length. Formed in the web 19 atsubstantially the midpoint, is an aperture 27 through which the hookelement 26 projects. In this embodiment. the hanger is fabricated in themanner of conventional coat hangers wherein the hook element 26 isintegrally formed with a wire rod forming a part of the elongatedportion. The elongated portion is fabricated from two rods that areintertwisted into a rigid, non-flexible structure. Selecting anappropriate diameter rod results in a hanger having adequate strengthand rigidity for support of the package body with a suspended floor matM. Tearing or rupturing of the web 19 at the aperture 27 may besubstantially eliminated through utilization of a metal grommet 28.

As will be readily apparent. utilization of this packaging device merelyrequires rigidly securing of the package body 11 to the mat by suitablefastening means such as the staples S. With the packaging device thussecured to the mat, several of the mats may be conveniently displayedand supported on a hanger bar (not shown) forming a part of a storedisplay. Consequently. the mats will be vertically suspended and may bereadily pivoted by a prospective customer for better visual inspectionof the color and style of any particular mat. Appropriate indicia may beplaced along the outer surface of the interconnecting web 19 foridentification and description of the particular mat.

A paperboard blank for fabrication of the packaging device shown in FIG.1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Sequential steps in fabrication of the blankare shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This blank, indicated generally by thenumeral 3 may advantageously be formed from sheet material such ascorrugated paper board. Corrugated paper board, or other paper board, isselected to provide a package device having adequate structural strengthfor the support of and carrying an automobile floor mat. This materialis relatively economical and is readily folded when provided withscorelines and is easily cut or punched. 4

Formation of the packaging device 10 initially requires provision of arectangularly shaped sheet of paperboard 30 of suitable thickness andstrength. This sheet of paper board has a width dimension that is equalto the length of the packaging device. The longer dimension isdetermined by the depth of the side panels for each of the body elements13 and 14. Additional length is required for formation of theinterconnecting webs 19 and 20 as well as that which may be required forthe integral fold 21 between the body elements 13 and 14. Each of theside panels, 15 through 18 are indicated in FIG. 3 by their respectivenumerals with the fold or score lines indicated by broken lines. A pairof scored lines, 31 and 32, are formed in the paperboard blank 30 anddefine the interconnecting web 19 between the side panels 15 and 16. Theaperture 27 is formed in the web panel 19, and the metal grommet 28 isinserted and crimped into place. A third scored line 33 is formed in theblank to permit reverse folding of the portion defining the second bodyelement 14, comprising panels 17 and 18. A second pair of score lines,34 and 35, are formed in the blank to define the interconnecting web 20dividing the side panels 17 and 18.

The hand hole 22 is formed by cutting the paperboard blank 30 in each ofthe panels 15 and 16 in relative positions to coincide when thepaperboard blank is properly folded. These cuts 36, 37 are of an oblongconfiguration and extend completely through the paperboard blank at bothends and along one side. A scored fold line 36a, 37a forms the otherlongitudinal side of the oblong configuration with the score line mostclosely adjacent the interconnecting web 19 and completes defining aflap 38, 39, respectively. Consequently, the flaps 38, 39 that resultfrom forming of the hand hole 22 are not completely severed from orremoved from the blank.

As a first step in formation of the packaging device 10, a rigid hanger12 is assembled with the blank as shown in FIG. 4. In that figure, theelongated wire rod element 25 is disposed longitudinally of theinterconnecting web 19. In this position, the hook element 26 extendsthrough the aperture 27 and the elongated element 25 lies in closeproximate relationship to the surface of the paperboard blank. Thesecond step in formation, is folding of the panel 18 about the fold line33 into overlying relationship to the side panel 16. This results information of the interconnecting edge 21 between the two body elements13 and 14. At this point, the panel 17 is reverse folded along with theassociated interconnecting web to overlie the panel 18 as shown in FIG.4 with the interconnecting web perpendicular to the two side panels.

The last step of the folding operation consists in folding of the panel15 into superimposed relationship to the panel 16 and overlying the bodyelement 14 formed in the previous step. Completion of this fold steppositions the interconnecting web 19 in perpendicular relationship tothe respective panels 15 and 16 as shown in FIG. 5. A last step of theoperation comprises pushing the flaps 38, 39 in the respective panels15, 16 inwardly relative to each other to overlap and form the hand hole22. This overlapped relationship is best seen in FIG. 6 where the twoflaps 38 and 39 form a broad surface against which the fingers of thehand may comfortably bear in lifting of the package device.

This completes the formation of the packaging device 10 leaving onlyattachment of the device to an automobile floor mat. This is readilyaccomplished by merely inserting a marginal edge portion of a matbetween the respective panel pairs 15, 17 and 16, 18. With the mat thusinserted, suitable fastening means are applied such as driving ofstaples S through the side panels of the body elements 13 and 14. Thisrigidly secures the mat in association with the packaging deviceresulting in a rigid structure. The double walled thickness of thepackaging device prevents the staples from readily pulling out inresponse to the forces normally encountered in manipulation and handlingof the pack aged floor mats. The double channel configuration enhancesthe rigidity of the structure for support of the relatively heavy floormats. A modified form of a packaging device embodying this invention isshown in FIG. 2 as applied to a floor mat. This modified packagingdevice designated generally by the numeral 40 is substantially the sameas that previously described in detail and shown in FIG. 1 and primarilydiffers only in the respect that it is not provided with a hand hole.Manipulation and carrying of the packaged mat is therefore not asconvenient. However, the hook of the rigid hanger can be utilized forthis purpose. An advantage of this particular structure of the modifiedform is that a relatively stronger structure is provided for support ofa heavier type mat.

As in the case of the first described embodiment, the packaging device40 includes two interfitting telescoped body elements 41 and 42 whichdefine a package body 43. Assembled with the package body is a rigidhanger 44. Each body element 41 and 42 includes the opposed side panels45, 46 and 47, 48 with these pairs of side panels interconnected by therespective webs 49 and 50. The adjacently disposed panels 46 and 48 areinterconnected along a common line defining a lower edge 51. It will benoted that the relative length of the side panels 47 and 48 are such asto position the associated interconnecting web 50 in contactingrelationship with the web 49.

The rigid hanger 44 also comprises a similar elongated wire rod element52 having a hook element 53 formed at a central point thereof.Application of the rigid hanger 44 may follow the same construction asdescribed with the first described embodiment.

A paper board blank 55 for fabrication of the packaging device 40 isshown in FIG. 7 in plan view. This paper board blank is also of agenerally rectangular shape and may advantageously be fabricated from acorrugated cardboard of adequate thickness to provide sufficientstrength for support and packaging of the heavy rubber floor mats. Thefour side panels 45 through 48 are designated in FIG. 7 with therespective interconnecting webs 49 and 50 also indicated. Score lines 56and 57 define the web 49, separating panels 45 and 46 while score lines58 and 59 define the interconnecting web 50 separating the panels 47 and48. An additional score line 60 is formed in the paper board blankbetween the panels 46 and 48 with this line 60 aiding in forming theinterconnecting edge 51 of the device. Formed in each of the webs 49 and50 at the approximate mid-point are respective apertures 61 and 62. Eachaperture is preferably provided with a metal grommet 63 and 64 forpurpose of reinforcement.

Assembly and fabrication of the device 40 follows essentially the samesequential steps as described and illustrated with respect to thepreferred embodiment of the device with the rigid hanger 44 assembledafter the paperboard blank is completely folded. The sequential steps offolding comprise bending the blank 55 at the score line 60 to place thepanel 48 in overlying relationship to the surface of panel 46. Panel 47is then reverse folded to overlie panel 48, placing the interconnectingweb 50 in perpendicular relationship. The final folding step comprisesfolding the panel 45 over the previously folded body element 42resulting in positioning the interconnecting web 49 in perpendicularrelationship to the panels and contacting engagement with theinterconnecting web 50. At this point, the rigid hanger 44 is assembledby extending the hook element 53 through the coaxial apertures 61 and62. The completed device 40 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

This modification of the device operates and is utilized insubstantially the same manner as the previously described embodiment;that is, a mat is inserted between the telescoped body element 41 and 42and is secured thereto by suitable fastening means such as staples S asshown in FIG. 2. A packaged floor mat M may then be suspended from ahanger bar (not shown) for purposes of display. As with the preferredembodiment, a customer may readily pivot any selected mat for morecomplete visual inspection. The package device 40 may be picked up andcarried by the hook element 53.

It will be readily apparent from the detailed description of the twoillustrative embodiments of this invention, that a novel merchandisepackaging device is provided which greatly enhances the display ofmerchandise such as automobile floor mats. Vertical suspension of themats greatly facilitates visual inspection of the mats by a customerthrough permitting the customer to individually and selectively swingthe mats suspended from a hanger bar to a readily visible position. Adisplay does not become disarranged and the packaging devices maintaintheir original pleasing appearance as there is no occasion for roughmishandling by the customers.

Having thus described this invention. what is claimed 1. A merchandisepackaging device comprising a package body formed from a unitary sheetof paperboard folded into inner and outer body elements disposed intelescopically interfitting relationship, each of said body elementsbeing of an elongated, U-shaped channel configuration open at each endhaving spaced side panels and a web interconnecting the respective sidepanels, said side panels of each body element disposed adjacent to arespective side panel of the other body element with one pair ofadjacently disposed side panels integrally formed along one edgethereof, and rigid hanger assembled with said package body, said rigidhanger including an elongated element disposed interiorly of at leastsaid first body element and extending longitudinally thereof relative tosaid web for support of said package body thereon, and a hook elementformed with said elongated element and projecting laterally therefromfor suspending the packaging device from a support.

2. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein saidinner body element side panels are of lessor width than that of saidouter body element side panels thereby spacing said webs, said outerbody element having a hand hole formed in the side panels thereof withinthe space between said webs.

3. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 2 wherein said handhold comprises elongated. aligned apertures formed in said side panelsand extending longitudinally thereof, each side panel of said outer bodyelement having a flap integrally formed therewith along a side of saidaperture most closely adjacent to said web and projecting inwardly ofthe respective side panel into overlapping relationship with the flap ofthe other panel.

4. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 2 wherein said handhole is longitudinally offset from the center of said outer bodyelement.

5. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein theelongated element of said rigid hanger is disposed in contactingengagement with said outer body element web.

6. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 5 wherein saidouter body element has an aperture formed in said web intermediate theends thereof and the hook element of said rigid hanger extends throughsaid aperture.

7. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein saidinner and outer body elements are disposed with the webs thereof incontacting engagement and said rigid hanger having the elongated elementthereof disposed interiorly of said inner body element and in contactingengagement therewith.

8. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 7 wherein saidinner and outer body elements have coaxial apertures formed in therespective webs thereof intermediate the ends and said hook elementextends through said apertures.

1. A merchandise packaging device comprising a package body formed froma unitary sheet of paperboard folded into inner and outer body elementsdisposed in telescopically interfitting relationship, each of said bodyelements being of an elongated, U-shaped channel configuration open ateach end having spaced side panels and a web interconnecting therespective side panels, said side panels of each body element disposedadjacent to a respective side panel of the other body element with onepair of adjacently disposed side panels integrally formed along one edgethereof, and a rigid hanger assembled with said package body, said rigidhanger including an elongated element disposed interiorly of at leastsaid first body element and extending longitudinally thereof relative tosaid web for support of said package body thereon, and a hook elementformed with said elongated element and projecting laterally therefromfor suspending the packaging device from a support.
 2. A merchandisepackaging device according to claim 1 wherein said inner body elementside panels are of lessor width than that of said outer body elementside panels thereby spacing said webs, said outer body element having ahand hole formed in the side panels thereof within the space betweensaid webs.
 3. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 2wherein said hand hold comprises elongated, aligned apertures formed insaid side panels and extending longitudinally thereof, each side panelof said outer body element having a flap iNtegrally formed therewithalong a side of said aperture most closely adjacent to said web andprojecting inwardly of the respective side panel into overlappingrelationship with the flap of the other panel.
 4. A merchandisepackaging device according to claim 2 wherein said hand hole islongitudinally offset from the center of said outer body element.
 5. Amerchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein the elongatedelement of said rigid hanger is disposed in contacting engagement withsaid outer body element web.
 6. A merchandise packaging device accordingto claim 5 wherein said outer body element has an aperture formed insaid web intermediate the ends thereof and the hook element of saidrigid hanger extends through said aperture.
 7. A merchandise packagingdevice according to claim 1 wherein said inner and outer body elementsare disposed with the webs thereof in contacting engagement and saidrigid hanger having the elongated element thereof disposed interiorly ofsaid inner body element and in contacting engagement therewith.
 8. Amerchandise packaging device according to claim 7 wherein said inner andouter body elements have coaxial apertures formed in the respective websthereof intermediate the ends and said hook element extends through saidapertures.